The implementation of high-level directives regarding the electrification of residential developments in villages located in the southeastern part of Taif Province has contributed to a 70 percent increase in the construction sector there, after having remained at a standstill at times, and at other times seeing activity levels not exceed 10 percent, since the year 1428 AH. Since that year, the Taif Municipality had suspended work pursuant to Cabinet Decision No. 115, dated 7 – 5 – 1424 AH, which approved regulations governing the provision of services to homes whose owners do not hold legal title deeds.
Al-Eqtisadiah reported significant activity among contractors in residential construction in the villages and suburbs southeast of Taif, where some specialized contracting firms have begun erecting new residential buildings on residential land included in land grant plans or other housing plans, while other firms have begun completing private housing projects that had been halted for more than seven years due to a lack of electricity supply.
This surge in construction activity in the villages located in the southeastern part of the province came after the Taif Municipality,—prior to May 11, 2014—to connect electricity to residential buildings located there, without requiring citizens to prove ownership of those homes, while most of the regulations and conditions for connecting electricity—which were implemented in accordance with higher-level orders—had been delayed, as noted by *Al-Eqtisadiah* on the 12th of Rajab.
According to the “Al-Iktisadiah” report published on the 12th of Rajab last month, in accordance with the order to connect electricity issued by the Services Agency of the Taif Municipality (of which “Al-Iktisadiah” retains a copy); the procedure for connecting electricity requires obtaining the necessary undertaking from the site owner, stating that the connection of electricity to his site “does not imply confirmation of his ownership of it,” and “does not constitute a waiver of the violation.” The Taif Municipality has the right to enforce the regulations and ensure payment of fees in accordance with the regulations without objection from the site owner, A pledge is also obtained from the tribal chief stating that the owner built his house on the exact plot indicated on the plan, that it is not subject to any disputes or individual issues, and that it is not located in flood channels or utility areas, Furthermore, the validity and implementation of the decision are contingent upon its conformity with the site’s survey plan. The decision to connect electricity was implemented after the municipality had promised during Ramadan of last year that the decision would be implemented on the 6th of Shawwal of last year; however, implementation was delayed until the month of Rajab of this year. This reversal of its previous stance—which had been to withhold electricity in approved residential plans in villages in the southeastern part of the governorate—came in compliance with high-level orders issued years ago on this matter, On February 10, Engineer Muhammad al-Mukharraj, Secretary of the Governorate, confirmed to *Al-Iktisadiya* that the Secretariat is proceeding with swift measures to “lift the freeze” on providing electricity to those developments.
(Al-Eqtisadiah)
